Recognizing Extreme Heat
While there’s a good chance you’ll realize when the conditions are too hot for your body to handle, that may unfortunately not always be so. Take, for instance, the many athletes each year who overexert themselves in the heat and end up being seriously injured. While you may not be working as hard as an athlete, activity out in the sun can still cause risk of heat exhaustion. If you notice any dizziness, difference in sweating, or you start to feel sick, you could be facing heat exhaustion, which means it’s time for a break.What to Do If You Have Heat Exhaustion
If you start feeling ill while you’re in the sun, get into some shade and get some rest. Drink water and, if necessary, take a cool shower to lower your body temperature. You should be feeling a little better in a few minutes, but don’t immediately go back out into the heat, or you might be at risk of getting sick once more. If you’re still feeling ill after 15 minutes, you should seek out medical attention, as you could be facing heat stroke.Keep Your Home Cool
There’s plenty of danger of overheating outside, but don’t be fooled into thinking you can’t overheat indoors as well. To keep things cool in your home, think about installing an air conditioner. Of course, not everyone has access to an air conditioner, but thankfully, there are still some things you can do to keep your home cool. During the night time, open your windows to let cool air in, and then close your windows during the day to keep the cool air trapped inside and the hot air from entering your home. Closing your curtains or blinds will help keep the sun’s heat from coming into your home.Practice Cool Habits
Some methods you can use to keep your apartment cool, but there are also some habits you can practice yourself to keep your body temperature at a comfortable level. For one, always make sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Also, dress in comfortable, breathable, and light-colored clothing. A loose-fitting cotton T-shirt and shorts should do just fine.
While it’s easy to monitor your own body’s health, if you’re responsible for children or pets, keep an eye on their health, too. Kids, and especially animals, may not be able to properly communicate their discomfort as well as you may realize. In bouts of extreme heat, don’t leave them unattended and make sure they stay hydrated, too. By practicing these cooling techniques, everyone can stay happy and healthy.
